Texans Retired Numbers: Ring of Honor & 2026 Roster

Texans Retired Numbers: Ring of Honor & 2026 Roster

Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026

Houston Texans · Numbers guide
Key facts
  • The CJ Stroud jersey number is 7.
  • The Texans do not retire numbers, according to a team foundation executive.
  • Andre Johnson (80) was the first Ring of Honor inductee, in 2017.
  • C.J. Stroud wears 7 and Will Anderson Jr. wears 51 on the October 2026 roster.
  • The franchise began play in 2002; the Oilers' history belongs to the Titans.

This guide covers the Texans' policy on retired numbers, the 2026 roster numbers fans buy most and the numbers tied to team legends. It does not cover the NFL's position rules, which have their own guide.

Does Houston retire numbers?

Houston Texans retired jersey numbers
NumberHonoreePositionStatus
NoneNo playerThe Texans do not retire numbersHonored in the Ring of Honor instead
80Andre JohnsonWide receiverFirst Ring of Honor inductee, 2017

The Texans have no formally retired number in the sources checked. Andre Johnson became the first Ring of Honor inductee in 2017. J.J. Watt joined on October 1, 2023, becoming the third member after Johnson and founder Robert C. McNair. Ring membership celebrates a career or contribution; it is not a notice that a uniform number has been retired.

Andre Johnson in a navy Texans number 80 uniform and helmet
Andre Johnson in Houston’s earlier navy uniform in September 2010. Photo: AJ Guel. Source · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and compressed

Who wears what in 2026

Houston Texans players and jersey numbers, ESPN roster of October 25, 2026
PlayerNumberPosition
C.J. Stroud7Quarterback
Will Anderson Jr.51Defensive end
Nico Collins12Wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr.18Wide receiver
Tank Dell1Wide receiver
Derek Stingley Jr.24Cornerback
Danielle Hunter55Defensive end
David Montgomery32Running back

Rosters change during the season, so confirm a player is still on the team before you order a name and number.

Famous numbers in Texans history

The Texans began play in 2002. J.J. Watt wore 99 during his Houston career from 2011 through 2020; the old number-history article predates the end of that tenure. Andre Johnson’s 80 and Watt’s 99 are useful player identifiers, but their Ring of Honor recognition should not be relabeled as formal number retirement.

J J Watt signing autographs in a Texans number 99 practice jersey
J.J. Watt signing autographs in Texans practice clothing; the caption avoids a year because the source description and metadata date differ. Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Kendrick. Source · Public domain, as documented by the source · Resized and compressed

Who wore 99 and 80 for the Texans

Texans players who wore 99 and 80, per the team's numbers history
NumberPlayerPositionYears
99Willie BladeDefensive end2002
99Steve MartinDefensive tackle2003
99Robaire SmithDefensive end2004–2005
99Travis JohnsonDefensive end2006–2008
99Tim JamisonDefensive end2009–2010
99J.J. WattDefensive end2011–2020
80Sean McDermottLong snapper and tight end2002
80Andre JohnsonWide receiver2003–2014

The list shows how a Texans number works without retirement: several players used 99 before Watt. Johnson went to seven Pro Bowls as a Texan.

Oilers numbers are not Texans numbers

Fans sometimes ask for Houston Oilers retired numbers. The Oilers began playing in Tennessee in 1997 and became the Titans in 1999, and the Titans' owners retain the Oilers name and colors. Those retired numbers belong to the Titans, not the Texans. If you want an Oilers-era look, shop from Tennessee. The Texans collection is at the Houston Texans jerseys page.

Choosing a listed name and number

Choose from the listed names and numbers; a team’s number policy does not establish retail availability. Shop the Texans jersey collection. For position ranges, see the NFL jersey number rules.

Which Texans numbers fans buy

Stroud’s 7 identifies a Texans quarterback; Houston Oilers legends belong to a different franchise history. For design choices, read the Texans uniform history or the 2026 uniforms guide. The Nike on-field design context does not make every retail listing the same construction.

C.J. Stroud number 7 navy Texans retail jersey
Stroud’s 7 appears on the front and back of this navy retail jersey, distinct from Johnson’s 80 and Watt’s 99. Image: JerseyZenith catalog. Source

Jersey numbers FAQ

Have the Texans retired any numbers?

No formally retired numbers are identified in the sources checked. The Ring of Honor is a separate team honor.

What is the CJ Stroud jersey number?

C.J. Stroud wears No. 7 on the roster cited here.

What numbers did Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt wear?

Johnson wore 80; Watt wore 99 with Houston from 2011 through 2020.

Is J.J. Watt in the Texans Ring of Honor?

Yes. He was inducted October 1, 2023, after Andre Johnson and Robert C. McNair.

Are Houston Oilers retired numbers Texans honors?

No. The Oilers franchise moved to Tennessee; the Texans began play as a separate franchise in 2002.

Sources

  1. A to Z Sports, Texans one of five teams not to retire numbers (search summary only)
  2. Texans.com, history of Texans numbers: 80 (search summary only)
  3. Wikipedia, Houston Texans
  4. ESPN, Houston Texans roster (Oct 25, 2026)
  5. Texans Watt Ring induction (checked Oct. 27, 2026)
  6. Texans Watt career and induction announcement (checked Oct. 27, 2026, search summary)
  7. Canton Texans team facts (checked Oct. 27, 2026)
  8. Titans official media guide, historical highlights (checked Oct. 27, 2026, search summary)